E-drug: Drug formulations suitable for use in children (cont'd)
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I work in a pediatric hospital and co-ordinate ART programs for a
number of children. Yes! Definitely , ARV formulations and even
anti-TB formulations for children is a big challenge. If you have to
use syrups only, the cost is quite high, sometimes even up to 3 times
more expensive than similar adult combinations. Secondly dose
titration with oral solids is a nightmare. And of course as has been
pointed out the care givers do not have the capacity to do some of
the complicated measurements especially where cutting, crushing,
mixing is required. Pediatrics do not benefit from fixed dose
combinations ( issue of brands aside). There is dire need for
dedication in the Pharma Industry to formulate child-friendly ARVs
and to provide dispensing aids that will make administration easy.
Palatability is an issue that must be addressed and reducing the
amount of volume of syrup/suspension per dose. Here is another one -
in resource strapped communities it is not feasible to dispense a
drug that requires refrigeration.
Dr. Robert Orina Nyarango
Pharmacist
Gertrude's Garden Children's Hospital
P.O. BOX 42325 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-20-3763474-7, Ext.239/240
Cell: +254-722-325211
Fax: +254-20-3763281
e-mail: rnyarango@gerties.org; nyarangoron@yahoo.com
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